Russia circulates new draft resolution on Syria

A U.N. diplomat says Russia has circulated a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council that would extend the U.N. observer force in Syria but focus its activities on trying to achieve a political solution to the conflict.

The mandate for the 300-strong monitoring mission expires on July 20, 2012.

The council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said on Tuesday evening that the Russian draft incorporates recommendations from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to redeploy the mission from the field to the capital and focus on promoting a political dialogue.

But the diplomat said the Russian draft needs to be combined with pressure on the parties to end the violence and a more comprehensive approach to address the complex Syrian situation.

I should hope that "seeking a political solution" is more robust than a banal generality. If I had the chance to add a couple specific items that might make things better, one would be a guarantee by the rebel dissenters that they will not kill Assad or other unarmed government persons who wear a white armband, and as an option to any future show trial that they be given the option to leave for a non-extraditable exile. Second, the Syrian government agrees to UN admistration and armed guarding of civilian safe zones where NO arms would be allowed. Then finally, a guarantee by Assad's folks that there would be a street or field where dissenters could gather to protest without being attacked. Trouble with UN is they often have lofty broad goals but these mean nothing to desperate persons fighting for their lives for one side or another in the streets. This is why I admire India's interlocutor report on J&K as it had some specific ideas; disagree with them, but at least they tried.